The University of Houston may or may not see a tuition increase
for the 2009-2010 academic year.

The UH System Board of Regents recently approved a proposed
tuition increase range of 0 – 5 percent that would be
implemented starting this fall.

The board is required to set tuition rates for the UH System
for this upcoming academic year, however, it is unable to focus
on a firm number until the Texas Legislature submits the state’s
budget.

“Until the legislature sets the state’s budget
in June, we can only propose this range of 0 – 5 percent,” said
Welcome Wilson, chairman of the UHS Board of Regents. “This
range will allow us some flexibility as we wait to see what
the budget will look like.”

Based on this range, the maximum rate increase would take
undergraduate general designated tuition from $117.50 to $131.50
per hour. For graduate general designated tuition hours, the
maximum increase would go from $126.15 to $141.50 per hour.

While it remains to be seen whether UH will experience a tuition
increase, students already have options to save money through
specific programs and scholarships.

One such option is the university’s Graduation Pledge
Program, which offers students up to $3,000 in tuition funds.
Through this program, incoming, first-time-in-college students
at UH who complete 30 credit hours toward a degree on campus
within 12 months will be eligible for scholarships of $500
to apply toward the next year’s tuition and fees. If
they complete 60 hours after two years, they will receive scholarships
of $1,000. Those completing 90 hours within three academic
years will receive $1,500.

Incoming freshman can also receive discounted courses through
The Jump. Freshman participating in this program have an opportunity
to take two summer courses for the price of one.

Also, students with family incomes at or below $30,000 are
eligible for the Cougar Promise, which guarantees free tuition
and mandatory fees to new in-state freshmen.